For 2012, the Lexus IS lineup receives only minor changes. In the 250 and 350 sedan and convertibles, the coin holder has been discontinued, and Smokey Graphite Mica and Glacier Frost Mica have been replaced as exterior colors by Nebula Gray Pearl and Fire Agate Pearl. The performance-based IS F gets wider wheels and tires, along with new shock absorbers, a new seating color scheme and the same changes found elsewhere in the lineup.

The Lexus IS family includes something for everyone, with offerings ranging from conservative all-weather, all-wheel-drive sedans to sunny convertibles and serious track-duty sport sedans. The IS sedans ride and handle well and offer some of the tech options of larger luxury models, while the IS C models have excellent packaging with a tight-fitting, quick-folding automatic hardtop that stows away without taking up the entire trunk. While Lexus makes an ES 350 model that's roomier and more comfortable, the IS is considerably sportier in every way.